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Home My WebLink About2014-06-19 TOWN OF GROTON PLANNING BOARD Minutes of Regular Meeting - Thursday, 19 June 2014 - 7:30 PM Town Hall Court Room - 101 Conger Boulevard - Groton, NY Members, Groton Planning Board (*Absent) Others Present Edward Neuhauser, Chairperson Joan Fitch, Recording Secretary Monica Carey, Vice Chair Gary Coats, Town CEO Barbara Clark Town Attorneys Monty 8, Ellis Mark Baxendell John Morey Bret Wyllie Lisa Maloney Hahn Applicants & Public in Attendance Robert Walpole, Applicant; William Rady, Applicant; Kristie Robinson for McLean Fire District, Applicant; Sue Rady, Thomas Rady, Tony Zarachowicz, Alton Knapp, Alton Knapp III, Brian Klumpp, Mike Totman, Town Supervisor Glenn Morey. PUBLIC HEARING 711 William B. Rady, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 322 Smith Road - TM #25.-1-4 - Proposed Dog Kennel & Training Center The Public Hearing was opened a 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Ed Neuhauser. The Board Secretary read aloud the Legal Notice as published in The Shopper, proof of publication has been placed on file for the record. Chair Neuhauser then recognized the applicant who explained to those present that he was seeking approval to construct a 15,000 SF indoor training center for dogs, focusing on obedience, rally, tracking and, possibly, guide dog training. Chairman Neuhauser asked if there were any comments from the Board; there were none. He then asked if there were any comments from the public in attendance; they were received as follows: Anthonv Zarachowicz - 923 Spring Street - Property borders his property. Concerned with having kennels and boarding of dogs because of barking/howling at 3 ± a.m. Had a previous issue with another kennel. However, his concerns have "been put aside" because what is proposed is not a dog kennel per se (no boarding will occur). With everyone heard who wished to be heard, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:34 p.m. Page 1 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearing&Regular Meeting 19 June 2014 REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town of Groton Planning Board was called to order by Chair Edward Neuhauser at 7:34 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — 15 MAY 2014 A motion was made by Member Monica Carey to approve the Minutes of the 15 May 2014 Planning Board meeting, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member John Morey, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #36 of 2014. OLD BUSINESS William B. Rady, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 322 Smith Road - TM #25.-1-4 - Proposed Dog Kennel & Training Center In response to Chairman Neuhauser's question, Mr. Rady clarified that at this time he will be training dogs for agility and there will be no kennel; however, a small kennel may be done at some point in time. Chair Neuhauser advised the applicant that if he decides to have a kennel, he must come back before the Planning Board to do so. Dogs owned by others will not be staying overnight on this site. Mr. Rady would, eventually, like to hold dog agility trials onsite. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Lisa Maloney Hahn that the Town of Groton Planning Board declares itself as Lead Agency under SEQRA for the proposed dog kennel and training center. The motion was seconded by Member Bret Wyllie, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #37 of 2014. Chair Neuhauser then read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative responses were obtained to all questions in Part II except #5; Member Morey felt that there will be an increase in traffic, but will have only a small to moderate impact. All Board members agreed. A motion was then made by Member Barbara Clark that, based on the information and analysis of the SEQR concerning this application, the Town of Groton Planning Board has determined that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact, resulting in a Negative Declaration. The motion was seconded by Member Monica Carey, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Page 2 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearing&Regular Meeting 19 June 2014 Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #38 of 2014. Chair Neuhauser acknowledged receipt of a 17 June 2014 letter from the Tompkins County Department of Planning wherein it was stated that the application was being returned to the Town for local determination. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Mark Baxendell to approve the Final Site Plan for the proposed dog kennel and training center as requested, contingent upon no onstreet parking and any changes must be brought before the Town Planning Board. The motion was seconded by Member Maloney Hahn, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #39 of 2014. NEW BUSINESS Ryan Walczak, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 1031 Cortland Road (NYS Route 222) - TM #28.-1-3.2 - Preliminary Site Plan Review - Proposed Parking Area for Heavy Equipment Chairman Neuhauser advised that the applicant had requested this matter be postponed until the next Planning Board meeting. No Action Taken Jason & Betsy Nash, Applicants/Reputed Owners - 734 West Groton Road - TM #14.-1-27 & 28 - Proposed Boundary Line Change Chairman Neuhauser recognized Jason Nash who stated he was seeking approval to join the aforestated adjoining parcels together as shown on map accompanying the application. Page 3 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearing&Regular Meeting 19 June 2014 With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Morey that the Town of Groton Planning Board declares itself as Lead Agency under SEQRA for the proposed dog kennel and training center. The motion was seconded by Member Clark, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #40 of 2014. Chair Neuhauser then read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative responses were obtained to all questions in Part II. A motion was then made by Member Baxendell that, based on the information and analysis of the SEQR concerning this application, the Town of Groton Planning Board has determined that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact, resulting in a Negative Declaration. The motion was seconded by Member Carey, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #41 of 2014. With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Carey to approve the Boundary Line Change, as requested. The motion was seconded by Member Baxendell, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #42 of 2014. Robert Walpole. Applicant/Erik & Karen Hewitt, Reputed Owners - 146 Bird Cemetery Road - TM #14.-1-9.1 -Proposed Minor Subdivision Chairman Neuhauser recognized the applicant who stated he was representing the owners who were seeking approval to divide their 53.36± acre parcel into four lots of 19.66± acres, 25.9± acres, 1.56± acres, and 6.55± acres, all as shown on the map accompanying the application. The 6.55±-acre lot would be retained by the owner. The subdivision map has been ordered, and all four lots are conforming. Page 4 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearing&Regular Meeting 19 June 2014 With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Clark that the Town of Groton Planning Board declares itself as Lead Agency under SEQRA for the proposed Minor Subdivision. The motion was seconded by Member Maloney Hahn, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #43 of 2014. Chair Neuhauser then read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative responses were obtained to all questions in Part II. A motion was then made by Member Baxendell that, based on the information and analysis of the SEQR concerning this application, the Town of Groton Planning Board has determined that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact, resulting in a Negative Declaration. The motion was seconded by Member Maloney Hahn, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #44 of 2014. With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Carey to waive a Public Hearing and approve the Minor Subdivision, as requested. The motion was seconded by Member Baxendell, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #45 of 2014. McLean Fire District, Applicant/Reputed Owner- 2 Stevens Road - TM #38.-8-9 - Preliminary Site Plan Review - Proposed Fire Station Expansion Chair Neuhauser recognized Robert Walpole, representing the applicant who was seeking approval to construct an addition to the existing building, as indicated on the short narrative accompanying the application. Mr. Walpole stated that there should be a correction on the application regarding the size of the slab; it should be 5274 SF, not 5900 SF—same for first floor area. He then introduced Kristie Robinson, a McLean District Fire Commissioner, who explained the Department would like to construct an office area, radio room, and new truck bay area; existing bay area would be used for additional storage, all as shown on the drawing. They are also working on taking a portion of the Page 5 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearing&Regular Meeting 19 June 2014 property out of the floodplain. The current egress/ingress of fire equipment from the site was explained to the Board. The proposed addition will change this to a more satisfactory situation. The proposed addition would be in the floodplain, but fill is planned to eliminate this problem. The NYSDEC has been contacted, and the Corps of Engineers will be. Ms. Robinson then introduced Mr. Alton Knapp of A. E. Knapp & Associates, an expert in the floodplain program, who explained the process for removing this parcel from the floodplain designation and what has been done so far (they had prepared and submitted a report). He also explained the timetable for completing the FEMA paperwork. When a "critical use building is in the floodplain," flood insurance is required. The question became "what is the base flood elevation for the creek, and how does that impact the property?" With that in mind, his firm completed an analysis to determine that, and then were able to depict that on the Site Plan. It was determined that the best course of action was to prepare everything and submit to FEMA for a letter of map revision based on the placement of fill. Mr. Knapp stated that, at this point in time, they saw no problem in what was being proposed. If successful, it would take the existing and proposed buildings out of the floodplain (Zone A) to Zone X where flood insurance is voluntary. Chair Neuhauser asked to receive written comments from the NYSDEC and the Corps of Engineers. Mr. Knapp added that they had talked with the NYSDOT and they are okay with what is being proposed. Mr. Walpole stated that they will provide all information that is requested and return before this Board next month. At the conclusion of this extensive discussion, a motion was made by Member Baxendell to approve the Preliminary Site Plan for expansion of the fire station, subject to receipt of the requested materials (written comments from NYSDEC and Corps of Engineers) and review by the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Tompkins County Health Department. The motion was seconded by Member Carey, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Wyllie Member Morey Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #46 of 2014. Town CEO Gary Coats advised those present that he will be sending the application to the Town of Dryden as a courtesy. CEO REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD CEO Gary Coats reported that he had quite a few items for the next Planning Board meeting. John Wood's Special Permit to operate a motor vehicle repair business on Spring Street Extension will be withdrawn. ADJOURNMENT At 8:50 p.m., a motion was made by Member Baxendell to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Member Clark, with all members present voting in favor. J E. Fitch, Board Secretary Emailed to Town/Deputy Clerks, CEO Coats, VM/DE&Board Members on 7/17/14. Page 6 of 6